Conditions
Jaw pain, clicking, or a jaw that locks can make eating, talking, and sleeping hard. TMJ problems also overlap with headaches, ear pain, and neck pain. This page explains what TMJ disorders are, based on neutral medical sources, and how we approach them at Strong Tower. It is general information, not a diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic advises seeing a healthcare professional for constant jaw pain or tenderness that starts suddenly or with jaw movement, or for being unable to fully open or close the jaw. A dentist, TMJ specialist, or other healthcare professional can discuss causes and treatment (Mayo Clinic, December 2024). Facial pain that comes as sudden electric-shock jolts can be trigeminal neuralgia, which is covered on our Neuropathy & Nerve Pain page. Jaw pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating can be a heart attack. Call 911.
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull on each side and works like a sliding hinge. Mayo Clinic describes TMJ disorders as pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, aching in and around the ear, facial pain, trouble or pain when chewing, locking of the joint, headache, neck pain, and clicking or grating when opening the mouth. If clicking comes with no pain or limited movement, treatment is likely not needed. Causes can include a disc that erodes or shifts, strain of the ligaments, arthritis, a blow to the joint, or jaw muscle spasm. The cause is often hard to identify and frequently involves several factors (Mayo Clinic, December 2024).
Mayo Clinic lists arthritis, jaw injury, habits such as gum chewing, nail biting, and teeth grinding or clenching, connective tissue diseases, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, fibromyalgia, sleep disturbances, and smoking. Several of these overlap with other conditions we see. See our pages on Anxiety & Stress and Chronic Pain.
Mayo Clinic says pain and discomfort often last only a limited time. It says self-managed home care, jaw physical therapy, and a mouth guard can be effective, and that surgery is usually a last resort after conservative measures have failed (Mayo Clinic, December 2024).
The jaw, the upper neck, and the muscles around them work together, and a problem in one can add to symptoms in another. Mayo Clinic lists headache and neck pain among TMJ symptoms. Our Migraine & Headache and Spinal Injury pages cover the headache and neck side.
Dr. Wright is a Doctor of Chiropractic with advanced training in functional neurology. He is not a dentist. A dentist or TMJ specialist is often the right first stop, especially for bite problems, grinding, or mouth guards. We are a complementary option. We look at the jaw, the neck, posture, and the muscles involved, and how the nervous system is handling pain signals from the area. Care may include myofascial work, chiropractic care, and exercises, with guidance on habits such as clenching.
See our Myofascial Release and Neurological Exam & Evaluation pages.
Mayo Clinic says clicking without pain or limited movement likely does not need treatment.
Often several factors, including joint problems, muscle spasm, arthritis, injury, clenching, and stress.
Often, yes. We work alongside dentists and can coordinate with your dentist with your permission.
Mayo Clinic lists headache and neck pain among symptoms.
Mayo Clinic says discomfort often lasts only a limited time, but see a professional for constant pain or a jaw that locks.
Next steps
If jaw pain or clicking is getting in the way,